This Sukkot I got the chance to lead a workshop for the Beacon Sukkah Project, a Sukkot-long program of arts and lectures organized by the Beacon Hebrew Alliance and Beacon Arts in Beacon, New York. To fit this year’s theme, “Open to the Sky,” I led an introduction to drawn thread embroidery, and thought I’d … Continue reading
The backstitch is a simple stitch for embroidering lines, and with just a little practice you’ll master a stitch that will take you far. The little dove and olive branch in the design above are embroidered using the backstitch. How to Embroider the Backstitch Bring the needle up through the fabric one stitch away from … Continue reading
During the festival of Sukkot we eat in the sukkah, visit with family and friends in the sukkah, and sometimes, so I’ve heard, sleep in the sukkah, although I’ve never done that. Why not sew in the sukkah? Particularly during the intermediate days of the festival when we’re less likely to be entertaining friends for … Continue reading
You’ve probably heard of Grandma Moses, the American artist who started painting at the age of 78. But did you know that painting wasn’t Grandma Moses’ first creative vocation? Years before she took up painting she captured the landscapes and rural life around her through embroidery. Grandma Moses became famous for her folk art paintings … Continue reading
Are you thinking about making a wedding chuppah? Earlier this summer InterfaithFamily asked me to write a guest post about chuppahs –the various styles, where to find one, and tips for making one– based on my work at Huppahs.com. InterfaithFamily, if you’re not familiar with the organization, provides Jewish resources for interfaith couples and families. … Continue reading
Join us at Beetle and Fred fabric shop in Beacon, New York on October 22 and create this perfect little pouch to tuck your phone away for some screen-free time. The pouch is easy to sew and great for helping you put your phone out of sight and out of mind for Shabbat, the holidays, … Continue reading
This topic requires a bit of a personal story. One of my favorite pieces of Judaica in the world is an 18th century Turkish Torah ark curtain –parochet—in the collection of the Jewish Museum London. The curtain is a red flannel wool richly embroidered in gold with Biblical and classical imagery: a city –Instanbul, perhaps, … Continue reading
